Malinga, Reddy sink CSK chase to defend under-par 194 in Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad pulled off a stunning turnaround to defend a modest total of 194 against Chennai Super Kings, thanks to a disciplined and collective bowling effort led by Eshan Malinga and Nitish Kumar Reddy.

At one stage, CSK appeared firmly in control of the chase, needing just 84 runs from 60 balls with seven wickets in hand. However, Hyderabad’s relatively inexperienced bowling unit flipped the script in dramatic fashion. Eshan Malinga (3/29) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (2/31), supported by Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain, ensured that CSK’s chase unraveled under pressure. Each of the four bowlers maintained an economy rate of eight or less while contributing crucial wickets.

Earlier in the match, Hyderabad’s innings was powered by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma and Heinrich Klaasen. Abhishek raced to a 15-ball fifty, accelerating after initially being contained, while Klaasen added a composed 59 off 33 balls, continuing his strong form this season.

Despite a strong platform in the powerplay, CSK’s bowlers staged a recovery through Jamie Overton, Anshul Kamboj, and Gurjapneet Singh, restricting SRH from reaching what once looked like a 230-plus total. Overton, in particular, impressed with his middle-overs spell, dismissing Abhishek Sharma with a sharp rising delivery shortly after the batter had been dropped.

In response, CSK began aggressively, with young Ayush Mhatre leading the charge. The 18-year-old struck at a blistering rate, helping CSK to 62 for 1 in just over four overs. However, his momentum was halted by a leg injury sustained while attempting a quick run, a moment that proved pivotal in shifting the game’s momentum.

Following Mhatre’s departure, CSK’s innings lost direction. The middle order struggled to maintain the required scoring rate as Hyderabad’s bowlers tightened their grip. Malinga’s ability to execute yorkers and exploit reverse swing proved decisive, removing key batters including Ruturaj Gaikwad, Matt Short, and Sarfaraz Khan.

Shivang Kumar and Sakib Hussain delivered crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of Dewald Brevis and Shivam Dube, effectively ending CSK’s hopes of a comeback.

Despite outscoring SRH in the powerplay, CSK faltered in the middle and death overs, ultimately falling short in what would have been their first successful 190-plus chase in eight years.

The result highlights Hyderabad’s growing depth in bowling and exposes lingering concerns in CSK’s finishing ability, an issue that continues to trouble them this season.

Result: Sunrisers Hyderabad beat Chennai Super Kings by a narrow margin while defending 194.